I’ve always noticed packaging for products will include little circles or boxes that have the colors used on the packaging. Why is that?
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Additional: A densitometer can read the color swatches to determine the ink thickness of that specific color, which determines the color quality of the image being printed.
An example would be that if the thickness of the magenta ink is too thick (reads as 4.0 and should be 3.5) everything will print with a red-ish cast. Adjusting the magenta ink to the proper thickness will correct the problem, allowing the image to print as intended.
There are usually additional symbols and graphics to assist with registration (aligning the individual color plates to each other), trim and fold marks, color identification symbology (the cyan plate has the word “cyan” or just “c” for example), and specialized “progressive” color structures (cyan+magenta, yellow+magenta, etc.) used for custom applications.
Edit: This assumes that the printing method is offset lithography or similar method (Heliogravure, for example). Improving technologies (such as variable data and in-run digital imaging) and the practical economy of scale have created shorter run niche markets for inkjet and xerography (A.K.A. digital printing) to be a cost effective alternative to traditional printing methodologies for packaging. While both Inkjet and xerography both use “multi-colored dithering” (ink or toner) to effectuate a similar result, adjustments to image quality in order achieve optimal image fidelity is managed via specialized software, rather than adjusting ink density, as is done on an offset press during a production run. You will likely not see registration marks or color swatches on materials printed this way.
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